Weekend Wrap Up

We are thrilled to bring you the latest episode of our special Weekend Wrap Up edition, released October 20, 2024. Our host, Rod Washington, has once again curated a fascinating lineup of stories that capture the essence of the week.

Elon Musk's Bluesky Buzz, Pickleball Craze, & Halloween Comet | STM Podcast – STM Daily News Podcast

Welcome to the STM Daily News Podcast's Weekend Wrap Up episode for October 20, 2024! Join our host,Rod Washington, as he unpacks the most compelling stories of the week. Discover the social media buzz as Elon Musk's latest moves spark a migration from Twitter to Bluesky. Explore Brightline West's innovative advancements in sustainable high-speed rail, promising to transform West Coast travel. Dive into the world of sports with Mike "Sleeves" Sliwa as seniors use pickleball to bridge generational gaps. Look to the skies for the enchanting Halloween comet, a celestial event not to be missed. Finally, reflect on a poignant personal story from 1978 that reminds us of life's unpredictability and resilience. Tune in for these stories and more, and stay informed and inspired as we wrap up the week!  https://stmdailynews.com/dive-into-the-latest-episode-of-stm-daily-news-weekend-wrap-up-october-20-2024/ Sleeve's Senior Pickleball Channel Update: https://stmdailynews.com/sleeves-senior-pickleball-report/ Get the latest stories and articles from STM Daily News right in your inbox with the STM & Coffee newsletter! Never miss a story with easy access to our blog. Get your subscription today – just fill out the form. https://stmdailynews.com/stm-coffee-newsletter/ Check out the Sleeves SPR Merch Store for pickleball merchandise and more https://stm-store.online/spr-merchandise/ View Full Transcript  

Whether you’re a regular subscriber or joining us for the first time, this episode offers a thought-provoking mix of digital shifts, transportation innovation, sports insights, celestial wonders, and heartfelt stories. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s inside:

Elon Musk Sparks Twitter Exodus: Bluesky Surges as Social Media Shifts

In a world where social media trends evolve at breakneck speed, Elon Musk’s latest actions have triggered a considerable exodus from Twitter. Enter Bluesky, the platform that’s gaining serious traction as users look for a fresh start in the digital arena. This segment explores what this shift means for online communities and the communication landscape as we know it.

Riding the Rails to the Future: Brightline West’s Game-Changing Announcement

All aboard for a high-speed revolution! Brightline West has announced a groundbreaking development in sustainable transportation that could redefine how we travel across the West Coast. Discover how this leap in rail technology promises not only to shorten travel times but also contribute significantly to eco-friendly commuting.

Spotlights on the Court: Seniors Teaching Pickleball

Join Mike “Sleeves” Sliwa, host of Sleeves’ Senior Pickleball Report, as he discusses how seniors are stepping onto the court to share their skills with younger players. Pickleball is more than just a game—it’s becoming a bridge across generations, fostering a mentoring spirit in sports. Don’t miss this heartwarming story of community and growth.

https://stmdailynews.com/what-pro-pickleball-could-learn-from-senior-pro-players-and-organizations/

Look Up! The Halloween Comet is Coming

Get ready to gaze at the stars because the Halloween comet is set to light up our skies this week. This rare cosmic event is something you don’t want to miss, and we’ve got all the details you need to know on how to witness this celestial phenomenon from the comfort of your backyard.

https://stmdailynews.com/science

A Touching Personal Story: An Incident that Changed a Family in 1978

We close the episode with a moving personal blog post that highlights a tragic incident from 1978. This compelling narrative serves as a poignant reminder of life’s fragility and the strength of the human spirit. It’s a story that resonates deeply, encouraging us to appreciate the moments we share with those we love. https://stmdailynews.com/a-cautionary-tale-unfolds-across-generations/

Stay Connected with STM Daily News!

We invite you to listen to the full episode for in-depth discussions and insights on these topics. As always, you can dive deeper into each story by visiting our website. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest updates delivered straight to your inbox!

We hope you find this week’s wrap-up as engaging and informative as we did putting it together. Your feedback is invaluable, so feel free to reach out and share your thoughts with us.

Happy listening, and stay curious!

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October 17 marks an important celebration for lovers of literature and culture enthusiasts alike: Black Poetry Day. This day is a tribute to the contributions of Black poets and writers who have enriched the tapestry of American literary history. From the powerful verses of past luminaries to the vibrant voices of contemporary writers, Black poetry offers a window into diverse experiences, struggles, triumphs, and dreams.

This year, we’re excited to present a variety of opportunities to dive into the world of Black poetry. Whether you’re a seasoned poetry aficionado or a curious newcomer, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and explore.

Start your celebration with virtual exhibits and podcasts featuring insightful discussions on the history and influence of Black poets. These digital resources provide a deeper understanding of the cultural and social contexts that shaped—and continue to shape—Black poetry.

Expand your reading list with recommended works from both established and emerging Black poets. Whether you gravitate towards the radiant wisdom of Maya Angelou, the searing social critiques of Langston Hughes, or the innovative expressions of contemporary voices like Danez Smith, there’s an abundance of incredible work to discover.

Don’t miss out on poetry performances, either! Virtual events offer an opportunity to experience the emotional resonance and dynamic delivery that are hallmarks of spoken word poetry. Listening to poetry read aloud can be a transformative experience, bringing the words to life in powerful ways.

Celebrating Black Poetry Day

Remember, this list is just a starting point. Explore further, attend events, share your discoveries, and most importantly, engage with the community. We invite you to leave a comment sharing your favorite Black poets and poems. Let’s celebrate the richness of Black poetry together and honor the voices that continue to inspire and challenge us.

Happy Black Poetry Day!

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The Bridge is a section of the STM Daily News Blog meant for diversity, offering real news stories about bona fide community efforts to perpetuate a greater good. The purpose of The Bridge is to connect the divides that separate us, fostering understanding and empathy among different groups. By highlighting positive initiatives and inspirational actions, The Bridge aims to create a sense of unity and shared purpose. This section brings to light stories of individuals and organizations working tirelessly to promote inclusivity, equality, and mutual respect. Through these narratives, readers are encouraged to appreciate the richness of diverse perspectives and to participate actively in building stronger, more cohesive communities.

https://stmdailynews.com/the-bridge

Cautionary Tale

On a cool Saturday morning in November of 1978, my dad and I embarked on what had become one of our cherished weekend rituals—our trip to Long Beach to visit Builder’s Emporium. As we cruised in his gleaming new truck, our conversations flowed as easily as the road beneath us, ranging from home projects to my growing anticipation for the upcoming Thanksgiving feast. At 13, my mind was alive with dreams of turkey, stuffing, and my mom’s signature white cake with pineapple chunks and coconut sprinkles.

In that blissful moment of anticipation and routine, I had no inkling of the seismic shift about to occur in our world. Upon returning home, the air was heavy with an unfamiliar tension. My mother, with a pained expression, revealed the tragic news she had received—Maria Parker, a dear family friend, had lost her mother and nephew in the Jonestown tragedy.

The Jonestown massacre, a name now infamous in history, was bewildering to my young mind. The television was not showing the Saturday morning cartoons I expected but instead a somber news report detailing a sorrow that stretched far beyond what any child should comprehend. Over 900 lives had been lost to the sinister whims of Jim Jones and his delusions veiled as “revolutionary suicide.”

This event became a poignant turning point in my childhood, a stark introduction to how devastatingly real the world can be, even beyond the bubble of safety created by family. The lesson imparted by my parents—to confront rather than shy away from harsh truths—remains with me as an indelible life lesson.

Recently, in conversation with my uncle Melvin, he recounted seeing Jim Jones at a Bay Area event. He noted Jones’s undeniable charisma, an attribute that initially hid his dark motives. This realization emphasized the enduring danger of blind allegiance to misguided figures masquerading as saviors.

The Cautionary Tale

Today, I find myself reflecting on that cold November morning, feeling the eerie familiarity of history threatening to repeat itself. Society seems entranced by individuals displaying harmful behaviors, convicted felons who hold sway over masses despite glaring faults. As I watch these troubling tendencies unfold again, I am haunted by the echoes of Jonestown—a community of well-meaning people lost to the allure of misguided zealotry.

Let this recollection serve as a cautionary tale. Blindly following someone—no matter how captivating their persona—can lead to devastating outcomes. It’s crucial to maintain a critical perspective, to question and challenge, to prevent history from repeating its darkest chapters. As I write this, I hope to spark vigilance against those who, with the guise of charisma, lead others down a path fraught with peril.

Watching blindly loyal masses in our present time is as sad and scary as that fateful Saturday when I first encountered the true darkness humans can follow. To those witnessing today’s unfolding stories, let us heed this warning and remember: the cost of ignoring history is far too great to bear again.

The Bridge is a section of the STM Daily News Blog meant for diversity, offering real news stories about bona fide community efforts to perpetuate a greater good. The purpose of The Bridge is to connect the divides that separate us, fostering understanding and empathy among different groups. By highlighting positive initiatives and inspirational actions, The Bridge aims to create a sense of unity and shared purpose. This section brings to light stories of individuals and organizations working tirelessly to promote inclusivity, equality, and mutual respect. Through these narratives, readers are encouraged to appreciate the richness of diverse perspectives and to participate actively in building stronger, more cohesive communities.

https://stmdailynews.com/the-bridge

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Read more about Jonestown here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonestown